Frontier Sues American Over Ground Collision

The carrier is seeking over $100,000 in compensation for the 2024 incident.

Zach Vasile

Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 12:25 PM ET

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Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

A Frontier A321neo. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Frontier is suing American Airlines over a ground collision at Miami International Airport that left one of its airplanes out of service for six months.

The ultra-low-cost carrier is seeking damages over $100,000, according to a complaint filed in a Florida district court. The lawsuit was first reported by AirGuide.

The collision occurred on March 7, 2024, as an American Boeing 777-300ER was being pushed back from its gate. According to Frontier’s narrative, the pushback was not carried out properly and the aircraft crossed into an area occupied by a Frontier Airbus A321neo. The American jet hit the A321 and damaged its vertical stabilizer, the lawsuit states, causing extensive structural damage.

An American 777-300ER at DFW. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

The Frontier aircraft was taken out of service until its vertical stabilizer could be replaced.

American agreed to cover the cost of the repairs, Frontier’s attorneys said, but the two carriers could not reach a final agreement on other costs, including the revenue Frontier lost from having the aircraft grounded between March and September of that year.

Frontier claims that American bears some added responsibility because the collision was not an isolated incident. A similar botched pushback by an American airplane damaged a Frontier jet in Boston, also in 2024, the carrier said.

American has not yet responded to the lawsuit.

Zach Vasile

Zach Vasile is a writer and editor covering news in all aspects of commercial aviation. He has reported for and contributed to the Manchester Journal Inquirer, the Hartford Business Journal, the Charlotte Observer, and the Washington Examiner, with his area of focus being the intersection of business and government policy.

Frontier Plans Early Exit for 24 A320neos

Early returns planned for second quarter of 2026 as part of deal with lessor.

Ryan Ewing

Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 10:39 AM ET

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Edited By:

Zach Vasile

A Frontier Airbus A320neo in Las Vegas. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Frontier announced Wednesday that it has reached an agreement with lessor AerCap to return nearly 14% of the aircraft currently in its fleet early.

The 24 aircraft are leased units with agreements originally scheduled to expire between two and eight years from now. Frontier said the returns are expected to be completed during the second quarter of 2026.

The ultra-low-cost carrier said the agreement is part of a “fleet optimization transaction” with AerCap.

Under the terms of the arrangement, AerCap will also enter into 10 future sale-leaseback transactions for aircraft scheduled for delivery in 2028 and 2029. Frontier did not disclose which variants will be included in the future transactions.

Frontier A320neo — A Frontier Airbus A320neo (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Frontier’s President and CEO Jimmy Dempsey said the agreement will result in a reduction of near-term fleet capacity through the early return of aircraft while maintaining AerCap as one of the carrier’s largest lessors.

“This agreement is a testament to the strong and enduring relationship between Frontier, AerCap and CFM International,” Dempsey added in a news release. “It represents a significant milestone in our new strategy to improve the productivity of the airline by a disciplined right sizing of our fleet. We are delighted AerCap will remain one of our largest lessors, and we look forward to expanding our partnership with an additional ten sale‑leaseback transactions.”

Frontier did not announce any immediate network or schedule changes tied to the aircraft returns.

According to Cirium Fleet Analyzer data, the airline currently has 174 aircraft in service, including 80 A320neos.

Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com in February 2013 and has spent more than a decade covering the airline business. His work has been featured by CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. His aviation experience spans airport operations, Part 135 regulatory compliance, and airline crew workforce planning, along with time behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 and interviews with airline executives. Ryan now serves as Group President of Firecrown Media’s Aviation Group. He holds a B.S. in Air Transportation Management and an MBA from Arizona State University and teaches Airline Management at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

FAA Reverses Itself, Lifts El Paso Airspace Closure

Transportation secretary cites “cartel drone incursion” in the area.

Zach Vasile

Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 09:45 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

A Southwest Airlines 737 being loaded for a flight at El Paso International Airport. (Photo: Shutterstock | Royce Ngiam)

Just hours after announcing that the airspace over El Paso, Texas, would be closed for the next 10 days, the FAA has apparently reversed itself and lifted the restriction.

The agency issued an order late Tuesday that effectively halted all passenger, cargo, and general aviation flights to and from El Paso International Airport. Officials cited “special security reasons” and did not elaborate.

On Wednesday morning, however, the FAA dropped the flight restriction.

“The temporary closure of airspace over El Paso has been lifted,” the agency wrote on X. “There is no threat to commercial aviation. All flights will resume as normal.”

The temporary closure of airspace over El Paso has been lifted. There is no threat to commercial aviation. All flights will resume as normal.
— The FAA ✈️ (@FAANews) February 11, 2026

Separately, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy provided the federal government’s first explanation for the shutdown.

“The FAA and DOW acted swiftly to address a cartel drone incursion,” Duffy wrote on X. “The threat has been neutralized, and there is no danger to commercial travel in the region. The restrictions have been lifted and normal flights are resuming.”

The FAA and DOW acted swiftly to address a cartel drone incursion.

The threat has been neutralized, and there is no danger to commercial travel in the region.

The restrictions have been lifted and normal flights are resuming. https://t.co/xQA1cMy7l0
— Secretary Sean Duffy (@SecDuffy) February 11, 2026

El Paso International Airport had indicated that all flights would be paused until 11:30 p.m. local time on Feb. 20. Travelers were told to contact their airlines for more information.

It is highly unusual for the FAA to close the airspace over a major U.S. city. El Paso’s proximity to Mexico and Fort Bliss prompted speculation online that the Trump administration could be gearing up to strike drug cartels south of the border, but neither the White House nor the military made any statements to that effect.

The New York Times reported that just over 1,000 flights scheduled into and out of El Paso were set to be canceled during the closure period.

Zach Vasile

United, JetBlue Roll Out Cross-Platform Booking

The new “Blue Sky” feature will come online this week.

Zach Vasile

Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 04:30 PM ET

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Ryan Ewing

United and JetBlue aircraft. (Photo: JetBlue and United)

Starting this week, customers will be able to book eligible itineraries with United and JetBlue from either carriers’ website and mobile app.

The partners said Tuesday that users will begin to see more flight options from both airlines on JetBlue.com, United.com, and their respective apps. Customers can book flights using cash, points, or miles.

In a joint statement, the airlines said the new perk will make it easier for passengers to earn and redeem points, book more flights in one place, and plan their trips.

The ability to book a single itinerary with connecting United and JetBlue flights – a major advertised feature of the carriers’ “Blue Sky” partnership – will be added in the future, officials said.

Leaders from both airlines praised the new functionality as an important step forward after months of work.

“This milestone is another proof point of the value Blue Sky is bringing customers – in giving them the ability to book with cash, miles, or points on either network, customers now have more choice, flexibility, and a better overall booking experience when traveling to their favorite destinations,” United Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Nocella said in a statement.

United and JetBlue aircraft. (Photo: Shutterstock |
Markus Mainka)

“This move gives our members even more ability to earn and redeem points to exciting destinations around the world, while United customers gain access to JetBlue’s network across the Americas and Europe,” added JetBlue President Marty St. George.

The two airlines introduced reciprocal loyalty earning and redemption last year as the first major perk from their collaboration.

Other planned features of the deal include reciprocal benefits and United’s expansion at New York-JFK.

Zach Vasile

Arizona Airport Eyes Commercial Expansion

Hangars for private jets are planned, but commercial and cargo operations have been floated as a possible long-term goal.

Zach Vasile

Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 03:15 PM ET

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Ryan Ewing

Entrance to the Buckeye Municipal Airport. (Photo: Marine 69-71, CC BY-SA 4.0 [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0], via Wikimedia Commons)

Officials in Buckeye, Arizona, have taken a first step toward expanding their local airport, with an eye toward potential commercial and cargo flights down the line.

According to The Arizona Republic, the city council last month approved an agreement to lease five acres at Buckeye Municipal Airport for the construction of 12 private airplane hangars. The hangars will be built by Vermillion Development, then sold.

City leaders believe the investment will fuel economic growth while creating much needed space at the airport, where existing hangars are at capacity.

“We’re hoping that this is just the first of many… that will bring our airport up to speed and allow some additional aircraft to be stored in our facility and help with economic development,” Buckeye Aviation Director Scott Gray told the council, according to the Republic.

Buckeye Municipal Airport is mainly used by flight schools and private owners with small aircraft. But that could change as activity picks up and the population of the surrounding communities grows.

The council is planning a long-term, 20-year expansion project that would eventually support commercial and cargo flights. The airport would have to acquire more land and build larger runways to make that possible.

Buckeye Mayor Eric Orsborn told the Republic that the airport could attract cargo operators such as DHL, FedEx, and Amazon.

The newspaper pointed out that Buckeye could help relieve cargo traffic at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and connect Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company’s plant near Phoenix.

“I think we have an opportunity to be bigger in the cargo arena, and I think we’d have an opportunity, as our population grows, from a passenger traffic perspective,” Orsborn said.

Zach Vasile

More Carriers Suspend Flights to Cuba

The government warned it can no longer refuel international flights.

Zach Vasile

Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 12:30 PM ET

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Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

An Air Transat A330-200. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Two more Canadian airlines, WestJet and Air Transat, are pausing service to Cuba as the island reels from a shortage of fuel.

In a statement released Monday, WestJet said it is acting on information provided by the Cuban government indicating that commercial air service could be disrupted on short notice.

“Aligning with our focus to put guests and crew first and protect the integrity of our operation, WestJet Group has made the decision to begin an orderly wind down of our winter operations to Cuba,” the carrier said. “This is inclusive of WestJet, Sunwing Vacations, WestJet Vacations, and Vacances WestJet Quebec.”

WestJet is sending empty aircraft to Cuba to bring passengers back to Canada. The airplanes will carry sufficient fuel to depart from Cuba without relying on local supply, officials said.

Air Transat said it has suspended flights to Cuba until April 30. Customers with scheduled departures between Wednesday, Feb. 11, and April 30 will have their bookings automatically canceled and their money refunded, the carrier said.

Plans are in the works to bring Air Transat travelers currently in Cuba back to Canada.

“We understand that this situation may be worrying and want to assure you that our top priority is bringing you home,” the airline said in a message on its website. “We are currently organizing a return plan to Canada, which includes regular flights as well as additional repatriation flights.”

Air Canada was the first international airline to suspend service to Cuba over the fuel crisis. The carrier said early Monday that it will pause seasonal and year-round flights to the island and bring back around 3,000 customers.

The U.S. government is threatening to impose tariffs on any country that supplies Cuba with oil. As a result, stocks of jet fuel and other energy products are running low, with parts of the country experiencing daily blackouts.

The Trump administration has accused Cuba of supporting terrorism and destabilizing the region through its links to Russia, China, Iran, and militant groups in the Middle East.

Zach Vasile

El Al Adds Destinations for 2026

The carrier announced year-round routes to East Asia and seasonal routes to Europe.

Lorne Philipot

Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 10:47 AM ET

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Zach Vasile

An EL AL 737-800 (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Israel’s national airline will add several destinations to its route network during the coming months, including both year-round and seasonal services.

The carrier said it will offer nine new routes from its hub in Tel Aviv. Three will operate as mainline El Al flights, and subsidiary Sundor will fly the other six.

The carrier will launch service to Hanoi on Oct. 25. It will operate three weekly flights with a Boeing 787 aircraft.

Service between Tel Aviv and Seoul will commence in March 2027, also using a 787. The route will operate three times per week.

El Al also plans to launch flights from Tel Aviv to Manila in the near future. No start date has been announced, but the carrier expects to operate three weekly flights using a 787.

In Asia, El Al already serves destinations such as Delhi, Mumbai, Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Tokyo.

For the upcoming summer, El Al will offer a number of European routes via Sundor. These include Copenhagen, Catania, Sardinia, Zagreb, Dubrovnik, and Basel. These routes will all operate between May 24 and Oct. 24. The routes will be operated with 737 aircraft.

Lorne Philipot

Lorne is a South Africa-based aviation journalist. He was captivated and fascinated by flying from the day he took his first airline flight. With a passion for aviation in his blood, he has flown to destinations in all corners of the globe. Lorne has traveled extensively and lived in various countries. Drawing on his travels and passion for aviation, Lorne enjoys writing about airlines, routes, networks, and new developments.

WestJet Slashes U.S. Routes

The airline said it is responding to changing customer preferences.

Zach Vasile

Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 10:20 AM ET

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Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

A WestJet Boeing 737 MAX 8 at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Canadian airline WestJet is cutting routes to the U.S., citing falling demand.

In a statement to AirlineGeeks, the carrier said it will suspend service on over a dozen crossborder routes.

They are:

Atlanta to Edmonton
Nashville, Tennessee, to Edmonton
Nashville to Winnipeg
Orlando, Florida, to Edmonton
Seattle to Kelowna
San Francisco to Edmonton
Nashville to Vancouver
Boston to Vancouver
Los Angeles to Toronto
Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, to Calgary
San Diego to Vancouver
Seattle to Edmonton
Tampa, Florida, to Vancouver
Atlanta to Winnipeg
Orlando to Halifax
San Francisco to Vancouver

“We saw a notable decline in transborder travel demand throughout 2025,” the airline said. “As a result, we made timely decisions to modify our network to stay aligned with where Canadians want to go, reducing our full year transborder flying by close to 10 per cent, with a 15 per cent reduction in what were historically peak travel times for the U.S. We see no indication that this trend will change in the foreseeable future and have made further reductions to our transborder network in 2026…”

Demand for domestic, Latin American, Caribbean, transatlantic, and transpacific destinations remains strong, however, and WestJet is redeploying its capacity to serve those routes, officials said.

The carrier announced Monday that it is launching four new nonstop domestic routes for the summer and expanding east-west connectivity on existing routes.

Zach Vasile

TSA Rolls Out Alternate ID Verification System

Passengers without Real ID or other accepted documents can pay $45 for at-the-airport screening.

Zach Vasile

Monday, February 09, 2026 at 03:30 PM ET

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Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

A TSA checkpoint. (Photo: Shutterstock | Jim Lambert)

The Transportation Security Administration last week implemented a new alternative screening system for travelers without a Real ID or other accepted documents.

Passengers can now pay $45 through TSA ConfirmID for verification by TSA agents at the airport. If verification is successful, ConfirmID users can proceed through security, and their status remains in effect for 10 days.

There is no guarantee that a passenger’s identity can be independently verified, however, and for that reason TSA is continuing to encourage all travelers to acquire a Real ID through their state Department of Motor Vehicles, or bring another qualifying document, such as a U.S. passport or permanent resident card.

“TSA ConfirmID has been a huge success due to the ongoing collaboration with our airline, airport, and industry partners and effective public outreach and communications efforts,” Steve Lorincz, TSA’s acting executive assistant administrator for security operations, said in a statement. “We have seen negligible operational impact in the system because of the preparation of our team and work of our partners.”

Passengers can also use ConfirmID to check if their documents are Real ID-compliant.

TSA first announced the program in December.

Zach Vasile

Air Canada Suspends Service to Cuba Amid Fuel Shortage

The island country is reeling from a threatened oil embargo directed by the U.S.

Zach Vasile

Monday, February 09, 2026 at 02:30 PM ET

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Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

An Air Canada Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Air Canada has suspended service to Cuba as the island country deals with a severe shortage of aviation fuel.

The carrier said Monday that it will operate empty southbound flights to pick up about 3,000 customers in Cuba and bring them back home to Canada.

“For remaining flights, Air Canada will tanker in extra fuel and make technical stops as necessary to refuel on the return journey if necessary,” the airline said in a statement. “Air Canada will continue to monitor the situation to determine an appropriate restart of normal service to Cuba at a future date.”

Cuba’s government said Sunday that it can no longer refuel commercial aircraft traveling to the island due to the shortage. Commercial jet fuel sales at Cuban airports are expected to be cut off as of Monday or Tuesday.

The U.S. military operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro last month deprived Havana of a key political ally and a main source of oil. The situation worsened in recent weeks as President Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on any country that provides oil to Cuba, either directly or indirectly.

Trump has called the Cuban government an “extraordinary threat,” citing its ties to China, Russia, and Iran.

Cuba has enacted wide-ranging measures to depress energy consumption and ration the resources it still has. Some resorts are closing or scaling back operations, and the work week at state-owned corporations has been shortened to four days from five.

It is expected that additional carriers will suspend service to Cuba if jet fuel cannot be made available.

Other international airlines currently serving the country include Delta, American Airlines, Southwest, WestJet, Viva, LATAM, Air France, and Aeroflot.

Air Canada operates an average of 16 nonstop flights per week to four destinations in Cuba from Toronto and Montreal. The destinations are Cayo Coco, Holguín, Varadero, and Santa Clara.

As of Monday, seasonal flights to Holguín and Santa Clara have been canceled for the rest of the season. Flights to Varadero and Cayo Coco, which are scheduled to operate year-round, are suspended with a tentative restart date of May 1, pending a review.

Zach Vasile